Joint custody means that both parents have the right to make decisions affecting the children and the right to have the children live with them. Obviously this is vague. Thus with respect to decision making, the Court (or the parties if they can reach an agreement) will either award sole legal custody to one side so that if the parties do not concur about a child related decision, one parent can make the decision, or, the Court may award joint legal custody, but designate one party to make the final decision on some or all of the decisions (education, medical, religious, extra curricular and so on). With respect to physical custody, there must be more specificity than just “joint” or “sole” custody so regardless of the label, the Court (or the parties if they can reach an agreement) will specify dates and times for the child(ren) to be with each parent. These times will be termed periods of custody, parenting time or visitation depending on the Court. The parent with the majority of time is the custodial parent, but may be referred to as the primary custodial parent.

Please review the answer to the FAQ about Joint Custody. Legal custody is the term used for the parent who is authorized to make the decisions regarding the child’s welfare (education, medical, religious, extra curricular and so on). Usually there is a requirement that the parties try to cooperate to reach mutual decisions, but if this is unsuccessful, the legal custodian makes the decisions. It is often helpful to designate both parents as joint legal custodians so that physicians, school administrators and the like will have no reason to withhold copies of the children’s records from either party.

Please review the answer to the FAQ about Joint Custody. Physical custody is the term used for the parent with whom the child(ren) are to live with the majority of the time. Regardless of whether a parent is awarded sole or joint physical custody, a schedule of dates and times for the child(ren) to be with each parent should be prepared and made a party of any custody order. As mentioned in the earlier FAQ, there must be more specificity that just “joint” or “sole” custody.

Most jurisdictions have standard plan for visitation to use as a default. This is what most people think of when they think of visitation agreements, including every other weekend, alternating school holidays, and a portion of summer vacation. An experienced attorney is able to understand the needs of your specific case and recommend an appropriate visitation plan.

Grandparents have the right to intervene in custody and divorce cases to seek specific visitation or custody rights. Seek an experienced attorney to assist you in protecting your rights with your grandchildren.

Without any other information, a name on a birth certificate simply lists the father of a child. Having a name on a birth certificate does not grant any additional rights or responsibilities unless an Acknowledgment of Paternity and Legitimation are signed as well. Seek an experienced attorney to help secure your rights with your children.

In Florida, signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity is a formal way for unmarried parents to establish a legal relationship with a child, including a duty to support a child. In Georgia, the Acknowledgment of Paternity establishes the relationship between the father and child as well, but the additional Acknowledgment of Legitimation must also be signed before the child is considered legitimate, which means capable of inheriting from the father as if the parents were married at the time of birth, and also establishes the obligation to support. An experienced attorney can help you obtain visitation with a legitimated child, or help obtain support.

This is not an easy answer. Each situation is different, and the Courts consider what relationship, if any, a parent has had with the child. It is critical to have an experienced attorney assist you with regard to the best interests of your child.